Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed that the club expects to learn the outcome of the hearing into its alleged 115 breaches of the Premier League's financial rules in one month.
The champions have been charged with breaking financial fair play rules over a period starting in 2009 lasting until 2018, with the club facing additional charges for their supposed failure to co-operate with Premier League's investigation into their finances.
Ahead of his side's FA Cup game against Leyton Orient on Saturday, Guardiola hit back at claims that City's £180m spend in the winter window was in response to a potential transfer ban from the Premier League should City be found guilty.
The Spaniard said: "In one month I think there will be a verdict and a sentence and after we will see my opinion of what happened so far. Still, at the end, every club can do whatever they want.
"In the last 10 years we are third [for net spend], but in the last five even with what we won we are behind the top six teams so I'm sorry for the comments and that is why I don't agree.
"Even after what we have spent in this transfer window, we are away from Chelsea, United, Arsenal, Tottenham. Even from Liverpool. The only reason why is we sell a lot in the last seasons but even with that I know this club, it is always 'just about the money.'"
The hearing into the alleged breaches of spending rules has concluded, and while City have always denied any wrongdoing, the deliberating commission responsible for ruling on the charges has the power to apply a points deduction or even relegate the club.
© Imago
Are City in crisis?
The Citizens are currently fifth in the Premier League and already trail league-leaders Liverpool by 15 points, and they are at risk of not qualifying for next season's Champions League.
In this year's edition of Europe's premier competition, City face a difficult two-legged playoff tie against Real Madrid this month for a place in the round of 16, so it is entirely possible that they could soon be eliminated from the tournament.
Guardiola was forced to watch on from the sidelines as Arsenal trounced his team 5-1 at the Emirates last Sunday, and the Gunners exposed their defensive frailty.
City bought defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov to Manchester in January, but they are only 19 and 20 years old respectively, and it remains to be seen if they are able to adapt smoothly to Premier League football.
Midfielder Nico Gonzalez was brought to the club in order to try and bring back control in light of Rodri's absence, but it would be surprising if he was able to make up for the injured Spaniard given he has more experience operating as a number eight rather than number six.
A serious punishment handed out by the Premier League would only compound the team's issues and would mean that Guardiola would have to work with the squad he has despite its numerous flaws.
Lewis Nolan
